How coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak affects the Brookes activities in Pakistan?



What is the Brooke?


The Brooke is an International charity working for the welfare and improvement in the lives of horses, donkeys and mules to help the poor community in the developing world. There are 100 million working donkeys, horses and mules all over the world which are always vulnerable to sufferings. Highly qualified and dedicated team of veterinary doctors at Brookes hospital is always ready to help the poor equids. Lockdown and loss to dairy farming |Government should help the farmers

The Brooke hospital for animals The Brookes hospital in Pakistan
Coronavirus outbreak has severely affected the hand in hand community services by the Brookes Hospital


Coronavirus (COVID-19) is reaching more and more developing countries like in Pakistan. In fact, this virus has reached every country where the Brooke works. It is very challenging situation for Brooke’s team in Pakistan to manage this situation.

How the COVID-19 can affect the Brooke activities


The Brooke is the global champion of animal health and welfare, and they will not stop until working equids get the attention and respect, they deserve. For many years in Pakistan, The Brooke has been coaching and refining the skills of local people within their communities. There are many local vets, farriers and other animal health workers who can work independently to nourish good animal care and equine welfare.

But if the lockdown in Pakistan continues, it will result in continuous lack of hand in hand community services under supervision of competitive staff working at Brooke hospital for animals, and animals may be abandoned as the COVID-19 situation amplifies. This is very tough time for everyone and it’s important we stay connected. For this, the Brooke have put together a selection of activities you can do at home to support them.

Brooke cares for its worthy staff


The Brooke hospital for animals The Brookes hospital in Pakistan corona coronavirus outbreak covid
Brooke's hospital implemented 'work from home' strategy to protect its staff from coronavirus outbreak


The Brooke staff across the Pakistan are their first priority, so they are making sure that everyone is safe. Operationally, they are acting in accordance with government advice and taking appropriate action. They have stopped travel to perform community services. The Brooke staff are now working from home, as this is a common instruction coming from government.

The Vital Role of Working Donkeys, Horses and Mules


The Brooke hospital for animals The Brookes hospital in Pakistan Horses and donkeys
100 million working donkeys, horses and mules are serving the mankind in various ways


Horses, Donkeys and Mules are still out there working, and are more essential than ever to keep communities going among the global pandemic. In this difficult time, they help people to obtain and transport water and food, used both for washing and cooking. Whether it’s transporting people to hospital, these animals are keeping people safe and alive.

Challenges for the Brookes


The communities are already marginalized, and it is expected that they will have to face some of the toughest challenges to their livelihood, as work shuts down or they become infected. Their loyal working horses, donkeys and mules will feel the impact too. Right now, all the working animals and the animal owners we work with, are still receiving support in this difficult time.
  

How did the Brooke managed to face the challenges?


The Brooke programs are using every resource available to them to continue help the animals and support the communities. Physical communication with the community and service providers has been replaced with contact over phone and social media. Use of mobile phones in livestocksector

Brooke Pakistan is increasing communication technology for field workers so that they can maintain contact with the communities they work with. For instance they are distributing prevention information to owners of working animals. Working horses, donkeys, mules are important for survival of thousands of communities around the Pakistan. During COVID-19 emergency their work is as vital as ever.

What else is Brooke Doing?


  • Reaching marginalized and at risk communities with government messages and health advice on staying safe during the pandemic.
  • Enhancing communication technologies to reach and help working communities.
  • Providing emergency medical advice and assistance to owners over the phone.
  • Monitoring and helping vets over the phone.
  • Supporting community groups to participate to the fight against coronavirus, for example here in Pakistan women’s groups are using their sewing skills to make protective face masks.


Author: Umair Farzand
(DVM, UAF) 

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